SBIR Phase I: Microporous Perfluoropolymers via Thermal Inversion Polymer Separation

这个小企业创新研究一期项目提出通过热转化相分离工艺（TIPS）开发微孔全氟膜（平板和中空纤维）。许多聚合物（如聚砜、纤维素酯）通过溶液相转化制备成微孔平板和中空纤维膜。TIPS工艺是针对聚烯烃开发的，它不适合传统的溶液工艺。早期使用TIPS工艺制造微孔全氟膜的尝试受到高温和相关添加剂油的挥发性的限制。在这个项目中，新的可溶性、非挥发性、非结晶性全氟聚合物家族将与用于TIPS工艺的结晶性、热塑性全氟聚合物熔融混合。常规的TIPS处理，然后是溶剂萃取，应该产生所需的微孔全氟膜。在第一阶段，我们将在平板上展示概念验证，并评估这些微孔膜的涂层。在第11阶段，我们将(1)扩大操作规模，(2)进行中试测试，(3)评估平板纤维和中空纤维。微孔全氟膜目前仅以平板形式存在(例如：“Goretex”)。全氟基TIPS中空纤维及平板产品的开发将大大拓展市场。这包括苛刻的化学过滤，气体排气和电子应用。＊＊＊

*** 9761249 Plimmer This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project proposes development of microporous perfluoromembranes (both flat sheet and hollow fiber) via thermal inversion phase separation process (TIPS). Numerous polymers (e.g. polysulfone, cellulose ester) are fabricated into microporous flat sheet and hollow fiber membranes by solution based phase inversion. The TIPS process has been developed for polyolefins which do not lend themselves to conventional solution processes. Earlier attempts to fabricate microporous perfluoromembranes by the TIPS process have been limited by the high temperature and the associated volatility of the additive oils. In this program, new families of soluble, non-volatile, non-crystalline, perfluoropolymers will be melt-blended with the crystalline, thermoplastic perfluoropolymer targeted for the TIPS process. Conventional TIPS processing, followed by solvent extraction, should produce the desired microporous perfluoromembrane. In Phase 1, we will demonstrate proof of concept on flat sheets and also evaluate coatings of these microporous membranes. In Phase 11, we will (1) scale-up the operation, (2) do pilot testing, and (3) evaluate both flat sheet and hollow fibers. Microporous perfluoromembranes are presently only available in flat sheet form (e.g. "Goretex"). The development of perfluoro based TIPS hollow fiber and flat sheet products will greatly expand the market. This includes harsh chemical filtration, gas venting, and electronics applications. ***